5 Smart Ways a Sharp House Help Can Make Extra Money Using Her Phone
Introduction
Life as a house help can be busy — cleaning, cooking, caring for children, and managing daily chores. But every hardworking woman deserves financial freedom and a chance to grow beyond her salary.
In today’s world, a smartphone isn’t just for chatting, watching videos, or social media — it’s a tool for business and opportunity. With a little discipline, creativity, and data bundles, you can use your phone to make extra money — even with your busy schedule.
At House Girls Village & Bureau, we believe in empowering domestic workers to dream bigger and earn smarter. So, here are five practical ways a house help can use her smartphone to make extra income — during her evenings, lunch breaks, or on her off days.
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| Flat-style digital illustration of an African house help in a green headscarf and apron smiling while holding a smartphone and a red savings box. Around her are five icons showing ways to make extra income using a smartphone — online freelancing, selling products online, creating content, online tutoring or babysitting, and working as an online agent or virtual assistant. The title reads: ‘5 Smart Ways a Sharp House Help Can Use Her Smartphone to Make Extra Money. |
1. Online Freelancing and Micro Tasks
Even with just a basic smartphone, you can join websites that pay for small online tasks — like surveys, data entry, or writing. Many online platforms now allow people to work directly from their phones.
Examples of Micro Jobs:
Taking short surveys on apps like Swagbucks, Remotasks, or Clickworker
Typing short documents or transcribing audio for clients
Helping with online research or reviews
These jobs usually pay between KSh 50 to 500 per task, depending on the site and time spent.
How to Get Started:
Create a free Gmail account (professional name, not nickname).
Register on trusted platforms like Remotasks.com, Clickworker.com, or Appen.com.
Learn basic English typing and writing skills (YouTube tutorials can help).
Work during the night for 1–2 hours or on Sunday afternoon.
💡 Tip: Start with small simple tasks to build your experience. Consistency brings bigger opportunities later.
This option is great for a smart and patient house help who enjoys learning new things.
2. Selling Products Online via WhatsApp and Facebook
House helps are naturally social — they meet people daily and can easily recommend products. With a smartphone, you can turn that connection into a business.
You don’t need to own a shop or warehouse. You can start online reselling, where you advertise other people’s items and earn a small profit.
What You Can Sell:
Second-hand clothes (mitumba)
Beauty products or hair oils
Home decor or kitchen items
Baby clothes, toys, or shoes
How to Start:
Create a WhatsApp Business account with your photo, clear name, and short description (e.g. “Affordable Ladies Wear | Delivery available”).
Join Facebook groups in your area — like “Nairobi Women Market”, “Thika Buy and Sell”, or “House Girls in Nairobi Group”.
Post clear photos with simple prices and contact info.
Partner with suppliers — you post items, when someone buys, you get a commission.
Example Scenario:
If your friend sells handbags at Gikomba for KSh 500, you can sell online for KSh 650 and keep the KSh 150 profit. Just forward the client’s order to your supplier.
💡 Tip: Post only a few times per week, maybe at night or Sunday afternoon when you’re free, and always respond politely to clients.
This method is ideal for a sharp, trustworthy house help who wants to grow into a small business owner.
3. Creating and Sharing Content (YouTube, TikTok, or Blogging)
Do you have a good sense of humor, cooking skills, or life stories to tell? You can use your smartphone to create short videos and share them on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Facebook Reels.
Many young women in Kenya have turned their talents into money — not overnight, but with time and creativity.
Ideas for Content:
House chores hacks (cleaning, cooking, baby care)
Funny videos about house help life (keep them decent and respectful)
Tutorials like “How to Wash White Clothes Without Bleach”
Inspirational talks for other domestic workers
How to Earn:
When your videos attract many views, platforms start paying through ads.
You can also get brand promotions or gifts from local businesses.
Or, promote your own small products.
How to Begin:
Use your phone camera — no need for professional equipment.
Post consistently (e.g. every Sunday afternoon).
Use hashtags like #HouseGirlLife or #KenyaContentCreator.
Keep your videos clean, positive, and respectful.
💡 Tip: Don’t chase fame — focus on sharing value. Over time, followers and opportunities will come.
This method works best for house helps who are creative, confident, and consistent.
4. Online Tutoring or Babysitting Advice
If you’ve worked with children or helped them learn, you already have a skill. You can offer simple online tutoring or parenting tips via your phone.
How It Works:
Record short videos teaching basic numbers, reading, or songs for kids.
Share in parenting WhatsApp groups or Facebook communities.
Offer to tutor children online (especially for parents in the diaspora).
Use your experience to write or speak about child care, discipline, and early learning.
Why It Works:
Parents today trust people who have real-life experience with kids. Your advice and skills can earn you small payments or attract families who want to hire you for extra weekend babysitting or online teaching.
Extra Tip:
You can charge KSh 300–500 per session for virtual lessons, especially if you teach simple English, math, or songs for preschool children.
💡 Example: On your off day, spend one hour video-calling a child in Nairobi to teach ABCs — you earn and still have your rest time.
This method suits caring, patient house helps who enjoy working with children.
5. Becoming an Online Agent or Virtual Assistant
With a smartphone, good communication, and trust, a house help can act as an agent for online services or small businesses.
Many companies now need people to:
Share social media posts
Reply to WhatsApp inquiries
Collect small orders or payments
Do deliveries for neighbors
If your employer trusts you with Wi-Fi, you can spend an hour daily managing someone’s social page or replying to customers on WhatsApp.
How to Start:
Create a short profile describing your availability and skills (e.g., “Available evenings for online tasks or customer replies”).
Share it in Facebook job groups or on freelance websites.
Ask small businesses near your area if they need online help for a few hours.
💡 Example: A small bakery in your area might pay you KSh 500 weekly to answer customer WhatsApp messages from 7–9 pm.
It’s flexible, easy to do from your phone, and builds experience in digital work — perfect for future opportunities.
Smart Tips for Success While Using Your Phone to Earn
Protect Your Privacy: Don’t share personal details or photos with strangers.
Use Wi-Fi Wisely: If your employer allows, use data responsibly and avoid wasting bundles.
Separate Work from Play: Create a folder or second WhatsApp for business.
Save Your Earnings: Use M-Shwari, KCB M-Pesa, or Airtel Smart Cash to save every small profit.
Stay Consistent: Even one hour per day can make a difference if you focus.
Final Word
You don’t need a big office or large capital to earn extra income. You only need your smartphone, time discipline, and creativity. Whether it’s selling online, creating videos, or doing online tasks, you can slowly grow your savings and independence.
At House Girls Village & Bureau, we encourage all domestic workers to not only work hard — but also work smart. Your phone can be your gateway to opportunity.
If you’re looking for a trusted house help bureau in Nairobi that trains, mentors, and connects workers to good employers, talk to us!
We are here to help you grow — from employment to empowerment. 🌿
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